Latest news with #GovernmentCommunicationCentre
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman ranked 4th among developing economies in digital FDI
Muscat – Oman ranked fourth globally among developing economies in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) for greenfield projects in information and communications technology infrastructure between 2020 and 2024, according to the World Investment Report 2025 released by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. The report highlights Oman's growing role as a regional hub for digital infrastructure, innovation and emerging technologies. The sultanate's ranking reflects its success in attracting substantial digital-related investment, surpassing several advanced economies. Government Communication Centre stated that Oman attracted foreign investment worth US$1.7bn in digital infrastructure projects during this period. The volume of new investments in the digital economy nearly tripled, driven by implementation of the National Digital Economy Programme and broader national efforts to transform Oman into a knowledge-based economy. Mexico tops the list in the category with US$5.2bn in investment, followed by Nigeria (US$4.3bn), Malaysia (US$2.2bn), and Brazil (US$1.6bn) ranked fifth. The achievement underscores the sultanate's strategic vision under Oman Vision 2040 to diversify the economy and enhance its attractiveness as a destination for technology-driven investment. It also reflects the effectiveness of national policies aimed at improving digital readiness and fostering a competitive, innovation-led investment environment. In 2024, Oman launched the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies, which will run through to 2026. The programme aims to boost the ICT sector's role in the economy and align national capabilities with global advancements in AI. Key components of the programme include introduction of AI and data analysis in school curricula to build essential digital skills among youth, and development of a national open data platform to support entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers. A national research centre for AI will also be established to advance academic and scientific research, while an AI studio will offer sector-specific solutions for professionals and institutions. The programme targets a rise in Oman's position in the global Government Readiness Index for AI and aims to increase the digital economy's contribution to GDP from 2% in 2021 to 10% by 2040. These efforts underline Oman's commitment to building a resilient, tech-driven economy. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
07-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman ranked 4th among developing economies in digital FDI
Muscat – Oman ranked fourth globally among developing economies in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) for greenfield projects in information and communications technology infrastructure between 2020 and 2024, according to the World Investment Report 2025 released by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. The report highlights Oman's growing role as a regional hub for digital infrastructure, innovation and emerging technologies. The sultanate's ranking reflects its success in attracting substantial digital-related investment, surpassing several advanced economies. Government Communication Centre stated that Oman attracted foreign investment worth US$1.7bn in digital infrastructure projects during this period. The volume of new investments in the digital economy nearly tripled, driven by implementation of the National Digital Economy Programme and broader national efforts to transform Oman into a knowledge-based economy. Mexico tops the list in the category with US$5.2bn in investment, followed by Nigeria (US$4.3bn), Malaysia (US$2.2bn), and Brazil (US$1.6bn) ranked fifth. The achievement underscores the sultanate's strategic vision under Oman Vision 2040 to diversify the economy and enhance its attractiveness as a destination for technology-driven investment. It also reflects the effectiveness of national policies aimed at improving digital readiness and fostering a competitive, innovation-led investment environment. In 2024, Oman launched the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies, which will run through to 2026. The programme aims to boost the ICT sector's role in the economy and align national capabilities with global advancements in AI. Key components of the programme include introduction of AI and data analysis in school curricula to build essential digital skills among youth, and development of a national open data platform to support entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers. A national research centre for AI will also be established to advance academic and scientific research, while an AI studio will offer sector-specific solutions for professionals and institutions. The programme targets a rise in Oman's position in the global Government Readiness Index for AI and aims to increase the digital economy's contribution to GDP from 2% in 2021 to 10% by 2040. These efforts underline Oman's commitment to building a resilient, tech-driven economy.
Muscat Daily
01-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Directive reinforces Arabic for official communications in Oman
Muscat – Government Communication Centre has confirmed that the Council of Ministers has issued a directive mandating proper use of Arabic across all sectors in a move aimed at preserving the language as a cornerstone of national identity. The decision applies to all units of the state's administrative apparatus, state-owned enterprises, public and private legal entities, civil institutions and associations. 'In response to what has been circulated on social media concerning the document regulating the use of Arabic, Government Communication Centre affirms that Council of Ministers has recently issued a directive requiring all relevant bodies – governmental and non-governmental – to comply with this regulation. This directive underscores the sultanate's ongoing efforts to preserve the Arabic language as a vital element of Oman's national identity,' the statement said. The directive requires accurate Arabic to be used in naming government projects including streets, neighbourhoods, squares and parks, with names in other languages permitted in parentheses where necessary. It also mandates the use of proper Arabic in official communications such as meetings, events, agreements, MoUs, contracts, decisions, regulations and media advertisements. Translations or simultaneous interpretation may be provided in the public interest. The directive extends to the education sector, covering both public and private schools and higher education institutions, unless otherwise exempted by competent authorities. Correct Arabic must also be used in medical reports, prescriptions, academic certificates, degree equivalency decisions, and on official documents such as banknotes, stamps and medals. The use of other languages is permitted alongside Arabic when needed. The Council of Ministers has also urged private sector entities including banks, insurance companies, telecom firms and utility providers to ensure Arabic is used correctly in all public communications and documentation. The move is part of a wider national initiative to preserve the Arabic language and ensure its consistent use across all institutional and societal levels. The directive has received strong public support, with many seeing it as a reaffirmation of Oman's cultural and linguistic heritage. 'This is a declaration of loyalty to our identity and a covenant with the Arabic tongue. The statement restores Arabic to its rightful place in the national system,' Hilal al Zaidi posted on social media. Citizen Aisha al Riyami said, 'Language is the soul of a nation. By reinforcing the use of Arabic, Oman is ensuring that future generations remain connected to their heritage and roots. This decision reflects the significance of language in shaping identity and unity.'
Observer
01-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman reaffirms Arabic language use across public and private sectors
Muscat: The Government Communication Centre clarifies that the Council of Ministers has recently directed all units of the State's administrative apparatus, and other relevant public and private legal entities, institutions, and civil associations, to adhere to the mentioned guidelines. The clarification comes in response to a formal directive by the Council of Ministers emphasizing the importance of upholding Arabic as a key element of national identity and a pillar of Oman's Vision 2040. According to a document released by the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, the use of Arabic is now mandatory in several key areas, including: Naming of Public Projects: New government-related projects such as streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces must be named in Arabic. A secondary name in another language may be added in parentheses if needed, but priority is given to Arabic terminology. Official Government Operations: All official business — including meetings, contracts, agreements, circulars, publications, and advertisements — must be conducted and documented in Arabic. The use of other languages is permitted only in urgent cases where public interest is at stake. Language of Instruction: Arabic remains the primary language of instruction in all government and higher education institutions unless otherwise specified by relevant regulations. Medical and Legal Documentation: Medical prescriptions, scientific certificates, legal decisions, and commercial contracts must be issued in Arabic. Other languages may be added alongside Arabic for clarity or international purposes. In addition, the Council urged private sector entities — including telecom companies, banks, utility providers, and insurers — to adopt the proper use of Arabic in their public communications and reports. The Government Communication Center stressed that these efforts aim to reinforce the Arabic language's standing in Omani society, highlighting it as one of the core components of the nation's cultural identity and strategic vision for the future.
Observer
05-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
‘Align media messages with Vision 2040 priorities'
MUSCAT, MAY 5 The Government Communication Centre convened its 28th coordination meeting, bringing together representatives from media institutions and government entities across the Sultanate of Oman. The session forms part of a long-standing series of engagements aimed at fostering dialogue, aligning narratives, and enhancing institutional collaboration in the field of strategic communication. The gathering comes at a time of fast-evolving media and communication technologies, offering a timely platform to discuss developments, share expertise, and explore integrated approaches to public messaging. The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which calls for modernising communication frameworks and reinforcing the role of media in national development. Addressing the meeting, Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Head of the Implementation Follow-up Unit for Oman Vision 2040, underlined the need to tailor strategies to suit the distinct circumstances of each development phase. He noted that ongoing coordination among institutions is critical to showcasing progress and ensuring the visibility of national achievements. 'Each period comes with its own context, and we must adapt our performance monitoring and implementation efforts accordingly,' said Dr Al Jabri. 'It is essential to highlight institutional accomplishments within a broader ecosystem, as most strategic projects are deeply interlinked.' Dr Al Jabri further stressed the need for government agencies to synchronise their media content with national priorities, ensuring coherence in messaging and programme delivery under the Oman Vision 2040 framework. He also urged institutions to embed the economic dimension within their communication outputs, encouraging them to articulate their contributions to economic growth and national resilience. 'Every government entity has an economic impact — it must be made visible. Moreover, economic risks must be factored into institutional performance to sustain effectiveness and inform policy outcomes,' he noted. The Government Communication Centre's ongoing meetings serve as a vital conduit for dialogue and policy alignment in a rapidly changing media landscape. By reinforcing inter- agency partnerships and updating communication strategies, the initiative supports transparent governance, informed citizen engagement, and the unified advancement of Oman Vision 2040 objectives.
